Xiao Mochen arrived early the next morning.
As soon as she entered, she asked, "Auntie, I heard you were looking for me?"
Yan Qingqing looked at the sweat on his forehead and laughed, "Why are you in such a hurry, child? It's not a big deal."
After saying that, she walked over to him, picked up a handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his forehead, and then said, "It's only the beginning of spring, and the weather is still quite cold. Look at you, you've already taken off your padded jacket. Aren't you afraid of catching a cold?"
Xiao Mochen laughed upon hearing this, "Auntie, I am a martial artist, how could I be so delicate? It's just that you are afraid of the cold."
Yan Qingqing snorted coldly and said, "You kids are just so disobedient. You'll know the pain when you're old and have health problems."
In her previous life, Yan Qingqing didn't pay much attention to skincare; she could get through the winter wearing only a pair of ripped jeans.
But that didn't work in ancient times. Ancient medical technology was too backward, and one wrong move could lead to an untimely death.
Moreover, people with minor illnesses or ailments also need to drink bitter medicinal soup.
Yan Qingqing simply couldn't take it anymore.
Seeing that Yan Qingqing was a little unhappy, Xiao Mochen quickly coaxed her, "Alright, Aunt, don't be angry. I'm perfectly fine."
Yan Qingqing knew that kids in their rebellious phase were stubborn. They might listen to some things, but they weren't necessarily obedient on such trivial matters.
So she stopped trying to persuade him and instead took a jade pendant from the dressing table and handed it to him.
Xiao Mochen asked, somewhat puzzled, "What's wrong, Aunt?"
Yan Qingqing replied, "Does this jade pendant look familiar?"
Xiao Mochen examined it carefully and replied, "This is Xiao Moyan's jade pendant. I've seen him wear it before."
Moreover, this piece of jade was given to him by his mother, and it's the same warm jade that I used to make a jade pendant for my aunt.
But how did this jade pendant end up in my aunt's hands?
As expected, the jade pendant belonged to the eldest prince, Xiao Moyan. In fact, Yan Qingqing had already guessed this back at Jiyun Temple, and she only asked Xiao Mochen to come here today to confirm it.
So Yan Qingqing recounted how she had caught the First Prince having an affair at Jiyun Temple.
This disgusted Xiao Mochen immensely. Xiao Moyan was truly a scoundrel, not even sparing his own cousin.
Yan Qingqing didn't know much about the Yu family, so she asked, "I remember you once said that Yu Chengzhong married the Qian family girl after he divorced Sister Lin."
Xiao Mochen sneered and replied, "Yes, Aunt Lin has not given birth for many years since she entered the family."
Yu Chengzhong's concubines had a constant stream of illegitimate children.
When Qian entered the family, she brought a five-year-old child with her. It was said that Qian took in the child out of pity and adopted him as an orphan.
As soon as Qian entered the family, she couldn't wait to register the child under her own name, thus making her the legitimate daughter.
But everyone knew in private that the two of them had an affair before they got married and had this illegitimate daughter.
Xiao Mochen's explanation made sense.
It seems that the person with the eldest prince is indeed the eldest daughter of the Yu family.
However, the Yu family's idea was quite crazy, allowing the aunt and niece to share a husband, which was a real scheme.
After Yan Qingqing sorted out the matter, she began to analyze with Xiao Mochen why the Yu family wanted to send Miss Yu to the palace.
Firstly, it was to help Consort Yu and her son maintain their favor with the emperor, since their favor had diminished considerably since Xiao Mochen returned to the palace.
Moreover, many court officials turned their backs on Xiao Mochen.
Secondly, it would give them another bargaining chip. After all, the emperor is still in his prime. If Miss Yu could enter the palace and win his favor, especially if she gave birth to a prince, then the Yu family would have two princes.
Whoever ascends the throne in the future will be beneficial to the Yu family.
However, the latter possibility has been destroyed by Xiao Moyan.
They might even become enemies.
After analyzing the situation, Yan Qingqing and Xiao Mochen were in high spirits.
Yan Qingqing suggested, "I think you could also give the Emperor a hint about this at the appropriate time, otherwise he might not even know it himself."
Furthermore, if Madam Yu found out that her daughter had been... do you think she would thank Xiao Moyan?
Xiao Mochen nodded upon hearing this and said, "Aunt, leave this matter to me."
Actually, it's really not appropriate for anyone other than Xiao Mochen to handle this matter.
Yan Qingqing thought for a moment and then said, "Mo Chen, do you still remember Lin Ning'er?"
Xiao Mochen nodded and said, "Of course I remember. She was a pitiful person. Over the years, she was forced by the Yu family to hide in brothels to survive."
What? Is Auntie trying to help her?
Xiao Mochen knew that Yan Qingqing and Lin Ning'er had a good relationship, so he wouldn't stop Yan Qingqing from helping Lin Ning'er.
Yan Qingqing nodded upon hearing this, and then said, "My aunt really wants to help her. She is one of the few resolute people I know."
But maybe she's the one helping us.
Xiao Mochen asked with some surprise after hearing Yan Qingqing's words, "What do you mean by that, Aunt?"
Yan Qingqing smiled and said, "She has been married to Yu Chengzhong for many years and knows his habits best."
The Yu family must have done many shady things over the years, but we haven't been able to find any substantial evidence.
Maybe we can get results by trying a different approach.
Moreover, Lin Ning'er has a blood feud with the Yu family. It's very possible that she was made a scapegoat for the Yu family in the past.
The enemy of my enemy is my friend; having such a good ally is something I'd naturally take advantage of.
Back then, Yan Qingqing was repeatedly suppressed and humiliated by the Shen family, but later, a concubine named Shuixian helped her turn the tables.
The Shen family is now completely under Shui Xian's control, and Shen Tongzhi has long been sidelined by Prefect Liu, becoming a useless pawn of the First Prince.
Ultimately, Shen Tongzhi is now just a useless pawn, and Yan Qingqing doesn't even bother to deal with him.
Yan Qingqing felt a sisterly affection for Lin Ning'er and genuinely hoped to help her.
Without hesitation, Xiao Mochen replied, "Don't worry, Aunt, leave this to me."
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Xiao Mochen left.
Before we knew it, it was the sixteenth day of the first lunar month, and the emperor officially opened the seal.
This is the first grand court session after the New Year, and naturally, all the officials will be present.
With Xiao Mochen by his side, the emperor had a very good New Year. After resting for more than twenty days, he looked radiant.
The emperor looked at the officials standing below and asked, "Today is the first day of court. Do any of you have anything to report?"
The prince's cronies looked at each other, but finally someone stood up and said, "Your Majesty, I have a memorial to present."
The emperor squinted at him and said, "Has Minister Qin made up his mind?"
Upon hearing this, Lord Qin shuddered, but thinking of his service in supporting the emperor and the benefits promised to him by the Crown Prince, he gritted his teeth and replied, "I have made up my mind."
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